Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-03-21
LETTER FROM RICHMOND.
lspecial Cor. of tho Alexandria GAZETTE.

RICHMOND, March IS Several very
prominent local option men were st the
capitol Saturday afternoon, and among
them we're one or two who backed up the
local option legislators at the last election,
and thereby secured the passage of the pres
ent local option bill. Their presence at the
capitol Saturday was to see what bills had
been introduced relative to this subject.
They read Mr.-Abram Fulkerson's bill to
repeal the existing law, and went away
seemingly satisfied that this legislature
would not interfere with the present local
option law, which has, and is now. given
certain sections in the State subject for
lively discussion. Senator Stubs who is
prominent State official in the order of Good
Templars, does not think Mr.. Fulker-
son IS bill will amount to anything:
Delegate Terry, of Charlotte, who is full
of fun and very popular, is preparing bill,
T the object of which is to raise money to pay
the State debt While the legislature is
looking around to find something to tax to
help the finances of the State, Mr. Terry is
working on bill which he claims will be
the very thing. His idea is to require all
single men over thirty years of age to pay a
certain amount to the State every year. he
thinks bachelors should be required to have
some of the burdens of this life, and says
his bill ought to be passed. He does not
think, however, that it will ever become
law, because it is likely to be opposed by
delegates Munford, of Pittsylvania; Miller,
of Manchester; Echole, Of Augusta, and
Ryan, of Loudoun, who are four OF the most
influential men in the House. None OF these
gentlemen have retired from single blessed
ness, but they are exceedingly popular with
the ladies, and to use the vernacular of the
times, are good catches"
The democrats will hold caucus Monday
night at which time They will doubtless dis
cuss mattersi in connection with the State debt
Perhaps it will be ascertained at the caucus
Just how many democrats are in favor OF the
constitutional amendment requiring the
creditors of the State to fund these bonds
within certain time or lose the principal.
AT the present time the proposed amend.
ment cannot pass either branch of the Gen
eral Assembly without the aid Of the repnb-
licans. The advocates of the measure say
that the sentiment in favor of the amend
ment together with the appointment of
commission ia steadily growing. There are
grave doubts Of an agreement to the APP
pointment of q commission to confer with a
| like commission from the bond holders. The
repadiation sentiment Is gradually gaining
ground, and looking away ahead one would
say that it will be question which no politi'
cal party can we'll straddle. If this legisla.
ture succeeds in finally settling the debt the
democrats will have triumphant victory
next fall. At present the debt is far from
being settled This Legislature will how
ever, enact many beneGcient laws, and upon
the strength Of these the democratic stump
speakers can make very strong appeals to
| the people.
i A discussion will likely arise in the House
| to. morrow over Mr.. Hoge's joint resolution
to compel the creditors to fund within six
months after the passage of the law. MIR.
Hoge has speech ready for the occasion,
and so have several other members.
The members of the Richmond press re-
greet exceedingly the retirement of Mr.: w.
| w. Wyson from the editorial staff of the
| Whig. Mr.. Wyson goes to Lynchburg to
accept q position on the Virginian under its
new management He is ripe Journalist,
genial and accomplished gentleman, and
the bright flashes of his journalistic ability
have often been seen in the columns of the
Whig, which has rapidly grown in public
| favor.
About Tuesday or Wednesday the two
branches of the General Assembly will re.
main in session from II o'clock till 3. Then
the sessions will be more spirited and lively
B. 20.